The Pure Sauna is now knows as SplashBlaze
Everyone deserves a spa-like place to retreat from the chaos of the outside world. What’s better than a sauna for that? It’s the perfect choice for de-stressing and prioritizing self-care. Aside from that, a sauna generally offers many health benefits.
However, it might be overwhelming to choose the right sauna for your home. That’s why we made this guide to help you make the right decision. We’ll break down the following information for you:
- What is a sauna and how does it work
- Different types of saunas available in the market
- All the benefits you can expect from using a sauna
- Quick guide on how to use a sauna at home
What Is a Sauna?
A sauna is a warm, small room or enclosed space designed to help users sweat out toxins with the use of dry heat. It’s been used for a long time in different cultures around the world, especially in places with cold and long winters, and is said to originate from Finland. This Finnish sauna was known as “savusauna” which produced steam using pouring water over heated rocks.
Saunas are usually heated between 150°F and 190°F to produce warm moisture inside the enclosed space. This moisture helps open the pores on your skin and release toxins from your body.
Most importantly, with home saunas, you can enjoy the same sauna experience but with more customization options. You can choose how to design its interior, like choosing what kind of wood you prefer. You can even customize your experience with aromatherapy. You can use essential oils, like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree, to make your sauna bathing sessions more relaxing.
2 Main Types of Saunas
Aside from understanding what a sauna is, you should also know that there are currently two main types of saunas you can find in the market:
Steam (Traditional) Saunas
Traditional saunas are usually used indoors and use electrically heated rocks as the main source of heat. With steam saunas, you’ll be seated in a wood-lined space where temperatures can reach up to or over 190°F. The rocks are heated using electricity, creating convectional heat. The steam effect is then produced by pouring water on these heated rocks.
Compared to the other type of sauna, a steam sauna offers a higher temperature so you’ll feel more heat and sweat more. The high humidity levels inside, usually about 40-60%, are also good for opening your pores and you can control them to your liking.
It takes about 40 to 45 minutes for traditional saunas to properly heat the rocks and reach a desirable and comfortable temperature. When sauna bathing, it’s recommended to spend between 10 to 15 minutes inside only to maximize the benefits and avoid too much dehydration. Although, you can take multiple rounds with breaks in between.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas are also designed similarly to steam saunas – a room lined with wood. However, the major difference between them is that an infrared sauna uses infrared technology for heat, unlike steam ones that use heated rocks.
The infrared technology of these saunas has an emitter that produces infrared waves that provide heat to the saunas. This type of sauna uses a more advanced technology where the infrared heats your body directly and not the space. So, unlike traditional or steam saunas, the temperature inside isn’t as hot and usually ranges from 120 to 150°F.
However, although it doesn’t reach the same high temperature as a steam sauna, you’ll still sweat more and profusely inside since the infrared will directly penetrate your skin and body, increasing your body's core temperature. Similarly, it’s still recommended to use infrared saunas for 10-15 minutes only, like steam saunas.
Best Sauna Benefits For Your Health and Body
If you purchased a home sauna and regularly use it, here are the best health benefits you can enjoy:
Detoxification
Saunas induce sweating and when you sweat, toxins are removed from your body. This promotes an overall detoxification of your whole system, which can then improve your skin health. This also means that the pores of your skin will be relieved of inflammations and acne.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
If you’re ever stressed or struggling with muscle tenderness, jumping in your home sauna can be a good solution. The heat and tranquility provided by the sauna can reduce stress levels, which promotes relaxation, and can help relax muscle tension. Moreover, since it helps relieve stress, you can avoid or get rid of headaches and migraines.
Pain Relief
If you’re experiencing muscle or joint pain, especially conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia, the heat from the sauna can provide relief. As mentioned before, the heat helps relax your muscles, which can also alleviate your muscles and joint pains.
Promotes Better Sleep
Since sauna bathing will help you detoxify, de-stress, and relax, an evening visit would help your body completely relax and unwind before bed. This allows a better uninterrupted and deep sleep at night.
Improved Circulation
Saunas are also great for your cardiovascular health. The heat or high temperature of the sauna causes blood vessels to dilate. As the lining of your blood vessels expands, blood flow increases and reaches important organs like your heart and brain. This promotes overall circulation, bringing oxygen to your tissues, and to better heart health.
How to Use a Sauna at Home
When you get and set up your home sauna, it’s essential that you know how to properly use it to not waste your money and effort. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to making the most of your sauna time:
- Prepare Your Sauna
Follow the instructions in the manual on how to turn on your sauna and let it heat up to your desired temperature. In the US, the recommended maximum temperature is 194°F, but it’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best practices and uses.
- Prepare Your Body
It’s always important to prepare your body before jumping in the sauna. Make sure to drink several glasses of water so you don’t risk dehydration. Also, make sure you’re not wearing any jewelry that can burn your skin. Additionally, always bring a clean towel that you can sit on, cover yourself, or wipe your sweat with.
- Monitor Your Sauna Session
Remember to use the sauna at your own discretion. This means setting a time limit so you don’t overstay inside. Since it might be your first time, it’s best to try a short session first. If you ever experience dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, or accelerated heart rate, get out of the sauna immediately.
- Rejuvenate
Lastly, once you’re out of the sauna, make sure to rejuvenate your body. Sit down for a few minutes and drink water. The body needs time to re-regulate itself so make sure to not move quickly or do any new activity right away. Also, never jump into a pool or a cold shower after getting out since this can cause your body to go into shock.
Getting a Home Sauna – Is it Worth It?
Saunas offer a great deal of health benefits. If you’re looking for a new way to relax and relieve stress at home, a home sauna is the perfect solution. When buying, remember that there are different types of sauna you can get so make sure you decide on which one you want to use first.
Since you now know what is a sauna and how to use one, you can start checking out some products to get an idea of what to buy. You can check our massive sauna collection for lots of different and quality products. Scroll through and you might find something that perfectly suits your preferences and needs!
